idea give-away (got compliments): Dance class proposal

2012-10-16 13:44:00
Proposal for Mediterranean Folk and/or Free Form Meditative Dance Classes, DC (was Dance as Prayer)
Shira Destinie Jones
Proposal for Mediterranean Folk Dance Classes
Washington, DC
I originally proposed these classes at the Meditation Center and also at Wesley UMC, the CC Community Center and then at my shul, but none of these places seem to like the idea of a free form meditative dance class that would start off with slow stretching and move to more wavelike dancing, to Segovia or other slow Spanish Guitar music, so I changed it to more energetic dance, which seems to be more popular.   I wish I could find something more meditative, perhaps in a place where dance is understood to be a form of prayer   Now I am giving this idea and proposal away so that perhaps someone else will have luck implementing it..

1. Justification for classes (Israeli, Greek and Bulgarian dances):
The traditional folk dances of the Greek Islands, the Peloponnese, and the
mainland have long been a means of enduring the hardships of occupation
and loss, as well as celebrating the joys of life. The folk dances of Israel
come out of the Jewish tradition which celebrates the bitter-sweet taste of
life in both the exile from a beloved homeland and the struggles to build a
sense of home in an unstable world. Both of these traditions can be heard
and felt in the sad and then unstoppable strains of traditional Bulgarian
music, mingling the melodies of eastern Europe with the weaving steps of
the Mediterranean Sea in a union of spiritual movement which recalls both
the heartbreak and the excitement of living in a turbulent world.
2. Objective of classes:
a. Folk dance classes will demonstrate the shared spiritual connection via traditional
dance among these three areas, illustrated through dance postures
and leadership roles.
b. Classes will also provide both exercise for the body and exercise for the
mind as we stretch, move, and discuss the meaning of each dance.
c. Students beginning with no background in Mediterranean folk dance will
learn the essential basic steps of all Mediterranean dances, common hand
holds, and variations on common basic “hora” steps, and specific individual
dances including Zemer Atik, Misirlou, and the Tsamiko and for advanced
students, Kalamatianos. The first four classes will cover basics
and Kalamatianos will be taught beginning the second month of classes after
review of each basic dance.
d. Students should all be able to follow and eventually lead each dance.
Opportunities to attend Greek festivals and Klezmer events will be shared
on an ad-hoc basis to encourage practice of dance skills and enjoyment
with groups of experienced dancers in social settings.
3. Resources needed for classes:
a. A cd player with adequate speakers for the space in which classes are held
b. Floor space for approximately 5 to 20 dancers in a circle or semi-circle
c. Water is advisable
d. A white handkerchief is advisable for Greek dances
e. Light clothing is best since after Warm-Up stretches, the dances can become
quite energetic. Cool-down stretches are done after dances are taught
and reviewed at the end of each class.
f. Classes are free (assuming no liability insurance is required on my part).
Shira Destinie Jones, Mediterranean Dance Proposal
4. Potential concerns to be resolved:
a. Since these dances can be quite energetic, all students should take care to
avoid overstressing any joints or back injuries if necessary. Warm-up
stretches are intended to lead up slowly to any energetic dances, but precautions
are also the responsibility of each individual student.
b. Students with learning disabilities or fear or movement will gladly to be
given extra help on an ad hoc basis to help make classes more enjoyable
for them.
5. Accomplishing these objectives should be educational, entertaining, and spiritually
uplifting for students and instructor, as dance is a mixture of movement and
meditation, and also often a form of prayer. In this spirit, these classes are proposed
as a way of bringing the quality of mindfulness to our playful times, and awareness
of the spiritual in our celebration of joy and even the celebration of our sorrows,
as the Rabbis say that all joyful events must also recall a touch of sorrow as
well.
Yassou and L’Chaim
Shira Destine Jones
Read, Write, Dream, Teach !

ShiraDest
23 February, 12016 HE

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